BEIJING — While President Donald Trump delivered a passionate and polarizing address to a joint session of Congress last week, a more subdued political gathering was taking place on the opposite side of the globe.
The National People’s Congress, China’s parliamentary session, is highly scripted, with all decisions predetermined by the ruling Chinese Communist Party. The security measures surrounding central Beijing are exceptionally tight, with numerous volunteers wearing red armbands positioned at street corners and subway stations.
Despite the absence of surprises and debate, the week-long National People’s Congress provides insight into China’s domestic priorities and its approach to global affairs.
Even amid a decelerating economy, China seems to be strategically positioning itself as a global anchor in a tumultuous world, capitalizing on disruptions in international trade and long-established alliances caused by Trump’s policies, which have undercut U.S. prestige and created an opening for China to assert its influence.
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In a display of China’s apparent resilience, Foreign Minister Wang Yi maintained a restrained demeanor during his annual press conference on Friday, rarely using gestures. He mentioned the term “stability” at least 14 times during his 90-minute interaction with reporters, according to official transcripts.
Some of his strongest remarks were aimed at the Trump administration, which recently increased tariffs on Chinese imports to 20% and hinted at possible further increases.
“No nation should expect to constrain and stifle China while simultaneously fostering good relations with it,” Wang declared, criticizing what he termed a “two-faced approach.”
China has consistently voiced concerns regarding U.S. tariffs, which triggered a trade conflict between the two economies during Trump’s first term. However, China seems outwardly unfazed by the new tariffs, showing no urgency to appease Trump to prevent further sanctions.
“Nobody is particularly worried about it,” tech executive Yao Lijun expressed to NBC News while leaving the Great Hall of the People, where around 3,000 Chinese leaders and lawmakers were convened for the NPC. “Our focus is on how we can improve ourselves,” he added. “We don’t concern ourselves with others.”
In response to the recent tariffs, China announced targeted tariffs of up to 15% on certain U.S. products, mainly agricultural items, mirroring its previous responses to an earlier 10% tariff.
“Beijing wants to avoid appearing anxious or panicked, as that would play into Trump’s hands,” commented Josef Gregory Mahoney, a professor of politics and international relations at East China Normal University in Shanghai.
Though Wang refrained from provocative comments on Friday, earlier in the week, Beijing revisited its more assertive “wolf warrior” diplomatic stance, stating, “If the U.S. desires war—whether it’s a tariff war, a trade war, or any other kind of conflict—we’re prepared to fight to the end.”
This was the most aggressive rhetoric from Beijing since Trump returned to office in January.
The intent behind these statements was clear, according to Wang Dong, a professor at the School of International Studies at Peking University in Beijing. China is committed to safeguarding its national interests, and any U.S. attempts to coerce it into submission “will ultimately fail,” he said.
“China will adopt a ‘tit for tat’ approach, meaning if the U.S. opts for conflict, China will respond in kind and retaliate,” he stated. “When the U.S. re-engages in cooperation, China will reciprocate.”
Cooperation did not appear to be Trump’s focus on Tuesday, as he informed Congress of his intention to impose reciprocal tariffs on both “friends and foes” starting April 2.
His “America First” address conveyed the sentiment that “the U.S. only pursues its own interests with relentless and uncompromising fervor, disregarding international rules or norms,” noted Wang, the professor, in his written comments.
He pointed out that Trump had withdrawn the U.S. from both the Paris climate agreement and the World Health Organization, both of which he previously highlighted in his address to Congress. Such actions indicate that the U.S. has stepped away from its commitment to uphold the liberal values and rules-based international order it has championed since the end of World War II, Professor Wang argued.
“In contrast, China is signaling its willingness to collaborate with other global stakeholders and the international community to address common challenges like climate change,” he added.
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Echoing the theme of stability, Chinese officials reiterated an economic growth target of 5%, the same as last year. Additionally, the planned 2025 increase in defense spending remains unchanged at 7.2%.
During his government work report at the opening session on Wednesday, Premier Li Qiang, China’s No. 2 official, did not directly address Trump but acknowledged the rising tide of unilateralism and protectionism globally, stating that China would pursue a contrasting approach.
“China is prepared to collaborate with other members of the international community to foster an equitable and orderly multipolar world,” he affirmed.
Li recognized the significant economic challenges facing China, including an ongoing property crisis, elevated youth unemployment, and sluggish consumer spending. Acknowledging the impact of U.S. tariffs and other measures, he noted, “An increasingly complex and severe external environment may have a more substantial effect on China in areas like trade, science, and technology.”
“Irrespective of external changes, we must remain unwavering in our commitment to openness,” Li declared. “We will continue to enhance our network of high-standard free trade areas on a global scale.”
China is relying on its trade partnerships with other nations to help its export-heavy economy withstand the impact of Trump’s tariffs, which experts indicate will largely be passed on to American consumers and importers.
“Truthfully, in this tariff conflict, both nations experience consequences,” stated Zhang Weiwei, a professor of international relations at Fudan University in Shanghai and director of its China Institute.
“But the U.S. will experience greater adverse effects.”
Janis Mackey Frayer reported from Beijing, with contributions from Jennifer Jett and Peter Guo in Hong Kong.
